Where to wear it: six pieces and the occasions they were made for

A great piece earns its place by how often you reach for it. Here is where each of these comes into its own, from a Tuesday at the office to a Saturday night out.

The Le Cagole XS: the night out

Studs, a buckle and the heart mirror charm: it is made for evenings when the bag is part of the outfit. Wear it with a simple black dress, or with jeans and a blazer, and let it do the talking.

The mini GG Marmont: dinner and the theatre

Small, quilted and quietly recognizable, it holds the essentials and looks right at a candle-lit table or in the stalls.

Le Bambino: the gallery and the brunch

Jacquemus's top-handle mini is a daytime bag. Carry it by the handle with knitwear and wide trousers.

The Loulou Toy: the holiday party

The quilted cross-body keeps your hands free for a glass and a handshake, and the black leather goes with every party outfit.

The Chloé Woody basket tote: the weekend away

Big enough for a sweater, a book and sunglasses, it is the carry-all for a road trip or a winter getaway somewhere warm.

The Tabi mules: everywhere

The split toe is the conversation starter, and the flat sole makes them a shoe you can wear from the office to dinner.

One rule for all six

• Match the bag to the occasion, not to the outfit: the outfit can change, the occasion sets the size.